Truth Magazine

Oh, the lengths some will go to justify themselves. I guess I shouldn’t be shocked, but frankly, I find it difficult to understand how people can label themselves Christians and then turn around and deny that the words of Christ have any application now. I am finding it really hard to appreciate a book that recently was given to me. The book was written by a brother whom I know out in Oregon. This brother claims to have rethought the subject of marriage and divorce, and he has come up with the idea that the teachings of Jesus during his personal ministry just don’t apply now, but that they belong to a bygone Jewish dispensation. I believe with all my heart that the teaching Jesus did before the cross comprises his will, and that his will came into effect after his death (Heb. 9:16,17). In this article I want to show that the teaching of Jesus during his personal ministry applies now, and particularly since this brother from Eugene denies it, I want to emphasize that the Sermon on the Mount is for this age.

Christ’s teachings are for this dispensation. He preached the coming kingdom in Matthew 4:17, and a great number of his parables describe the kingdom (“the kingdom of heaven is like. . . “). He defined true greatness in the kingdom. He identified the foundation of the church he would build and promised Peter the keys of the kingdom. Jesus told Nicodemus about the new birth into the kingdom and spoke to his disciples concerning the type of character citizens of that realm must possess. He told how a rich man would find entry difficult. He taught about resolving problems between brethren and how matters should be handled before they are brought before the church. Does this sound like teaching for a past Jewish dispensation? Of course not!

Not only did Jesus preach the kingdom message, but his words are said to be new – they are unique. (This Oregon brother has the idea that Jesus merely taught the law of Moses.) Jesus claimed that he alone revealed the Father, and told his disciples that the prophets had not heard what he made known (Matt. 13:17). Jesus taught that Moses had not given them the true manna from heaven, but that he provided it through his words (Jn. 6:32-35,63). Furthermore, he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6). The completeness of Christ’s authority is proclaimed in Hebrews 1:1-3, and then the writer asks, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard him?” (2:3) Our brother’s denial of the words of Jesus becomes more alarming when we recall that 2 John 9 warns that we do not have God if we do not abide in Christ’s teaching (doctrine).

Now let’s go to the Sermon on the Mount. (Our brother makes this to be only a restatement of the law of Moses and directions for those who were still under that law.) First, notice that this sermon was addressed particularly to Christ’s disciples (Matt. 5:1; Lk. 6:20) and repeatedly he speaks of what will be acceptable in “the kingdom of heaven.” I believe it is especially significant that Jesus again and again says, “You have heard that it was said,” and each time he quotes from the Old Law; and then with each quotation he declares, “but I say unto you.” In each of these declarations Jesus introduces something new; a new emphasis, or a new spiritual application or else something completely different from anything given hitherto. Where does the Law teach that calling someone a “fool” puts one in danger of hell fire, that lustful looking equals adultery in the heart, mat putting away a mate causes the mate to commit adultery, that a person is not to swear at all, that a disciple is not to resist an evil person but to turn the other cheek and go the second mile and that one should love his enemies? Where does the Law teach such? Nowhere. (The closest this brother could get to loving enemies under the Law was to show that the Law required an Israelite to love a stranger – that is not the same thing at all.) Other new teachings given by Jesus are: forgive or you will not be forgiven; seek the kingdom of God first; and as we judge others, so shall we be judged. Climaxing the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that “whoever” heard him but does not keep his sayings is like a fool building on the sand, but he who hears and obeys is like a wise man building on a rock (Matt. 7:24-27). But according to the writer of the book, Christ spoke falsely when he said “whoever.” According to the Oregon writer a person can hear the sayings of Christ and not do them and be a wise man!

In conclusion, the teachings of Jesus are authoritative for this age. I dare not seek to nullify the “whoever” in his teaching on marriage and divorce in Matthew 5:32; 19:9. I fear to reject his words and am concerned for anyone who does so. Jesus say, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 18, p. 560
September 19, 1991

From Kettle, Kentucky

Why do Christians seem to have such difficulty in communicating the “one church” concept (Eph.4:4)? There are many answers, such as pride, prejudice, and sectarianism. But is it possible that Christians themselves are to blame for any of this? Let us consider this idea more fully.

When teaching, it is imperative to clearly understand the biblical concepts involved in discussion. In other words, one cannot teach what he does not understand himself. Teachers must be “faithful men” who are “able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Furthermore, they must be effective communicators (1 Cor. 14:8-9). This is especially true when using terms with multiple meanings and/or applications. For example, if teaching about “baptism,” one must clearly define the meaning of the term (i.e. immersion, Rom. 6:4). Otherwise, the intended message is lost.

Now let us think about the word “church.” This word usually brings to mind all sorts of concepts. It may cause one to think of a building, a local congregation, or a denomination. If the teacher is unaware of this, or fails to compensate for this (by a failure to clearly define his terms), the real message is lost.

Let us bring all of this to bear upon the “one church” concept. Often it is said, “There are many churches, but only one true church.” If properly defined and communicated, this statement could convey truth. However, usually this statement conveys a false message. When such a statement is made, what most people normally hear is this: “There are many denominations, but only one true denomination. ” The statement has unintentionally expressed that the “one true church” (Eph. 4:4) is a denomination or sect. The listener is disgusted with such “narrow-mindedness, ” and the teacher is unable to figure out why he is accused of sectarianism.

Notice what has happened. Without telling anyone (and perhaps without realizing it), the teacher has “changed gears” in mid-sentence. He has said, “There are many churches (meaning: religious denominations), but only one true church” (meaning: body of saved people, Acts 2:47). The teacher has failed in two ways. First, there was a failure to discern the conceptual errors to be reckoned with. Second, there was the resultant failure to properly communicate.

But the confusion is only beginning! Now, “churches” are compared with each other. For instance, one may compare the work or organization of a particular denomination to that of the Lord’s church. But notice: the gears have been changed again! Before, “church” was spoken of in its “universal” sense (Acts 2:47); but now, it is spoken of in its “local” sense (Phil. 1:1; 4:15). These comparisons can facilitate, the exposing of error; but unless we effectively communicate, it has the appearance of “comparing denominations. ” The result of this is that often one is merely convinced to “change churches” (sects). Consequently, a misplaced loyalty develops to “The Church of Christ,” rather than to Jesus Christ (Acts 11:22-23). Furthermore, the “convert” has retained his sectarian concepts, which hinder his communication of the “one church” to others.

What can be done to alleviate this “communication gap”? First, be sure to fully understand the biblical concepts involved. Knowing the difference between “universal church,” “local church,” and “denomination” is vital to bridging the communication gap. The “universal church” is simply all of the saved, who ever and where ever they may be (Acts2:36-38,41,47). The “local church” is a group of saints who organize scripturally and function as a unit (Acts 9:26-28; Phil-1:1; 4:15). A “denomination” is a religious sect, distinguished by peculiar doctrines, which separate it from other believers, None of these terms or concepts are interchangeable! A great injustice is done when they are spoken of as if they were. Second, once the concepts are clarified in the teacher’s mind, he must effectively communicate those concepts. The understanding must precede the communication (1 Cor. 14:8-9).

May all who preach and teach seriously consider this important “communication gap,” and endeavor to bridge it. As in the days of old, it ought to be said that God’s people (I gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” of the word (Neh. 8:8).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 17, p. 531
September 5, 1991

By Dennis Abernathy

In Hebrews 10:19 we learn that through Christ’s sacrifice we may enter heaven. Verse 20 refers to this as a new and living way opened to us when Christ died. Christ is the way (Jn. 14:6). The tabernacle and its priesthood is gone, but we have Christ as our great High Priest over his house – the church (1 Tim. 3:15). Since these things just stated are undeniably true:

1. Let us draw near to God (Heb. 10:22). We do this with a sincere heart (one which manifests the proper attitude toward God), in full assurance of faith (our confidence and trust is in our High Priest). Our hearts are sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. This is accomplished by the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:14) when we are baptized (see Tit. 3:5; 1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5).

2. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope (Heb. 10:23). The hope we profess is found in Christ Jesus and we are not to swerve from it (see Eph. 2:11-22). He is saying, “you remain true to your confession, and rest assured the promises will finally be realized.” The reason the promises will be realized is because “God, who has called you into fellowship with his son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Cor. 1:9).

3. Let us spur one another on (Heb. 10:24). We need to be genuinely concerned about our brethren and not just our own selfish interests (Phil. 2:4). We are to “provoke,” “stimulate,” or “spur one another on.” We all need to be stirred up. At the same time, care must be exercised that we are “stirred up” to the right things. We need stimulation toward “love and good deeds.” Hence, we must be “eager to do what is good” (Tit. 2:14).

4. Let us not give up meeting together (Heb. 10:25). But rather, “let us encourage one another.” When we meet together (assemble) we draw near to God, hold unswervingly to the hope, spur one another on and encourage each other. But, when we give up meeting (forsake assembling), look what great harm we do to our brethren and to ourselves!

In view of these things, brethren, be faithful in meeting together. Don’t throw away your confidence, but rather persevere in doing God’s will. If you will, God promises you will be richly rewarded.

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one (the just) will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved (Heb. 10:35-39).

Please brethren, don’t shrink back and be destroyed, but believe, be faithful, and be saved!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 18, p. 547
September 19, 1991

By Bobby Witherington

Panama City, Florida 32405 n Ephesians 5:22-33 the apostle Paul likened the relationship that exists between Christ and the church to that which exists between the husband and the wife. And in this setting, in verse 31, the apostle said: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This, of course, does not mean that children should forget or neglect their parents. Other passages clearly teach that a person should always show honor and respect for his parents. However, the verse just cited does mean that when a person gets married, from that moment on, he must recognize a greater responsibility to his mate than to any other person on earth. Obviously, this includes a determined effort to make the marriage last until death. But a closely knit and firmly bonded family circle requires more than just a “come what may” determination to make it last.

On the one hand, for those not yet married, we suggest that if you are a Christian, and you marry a Christian, your chances for marital bliss and permanence are greatly enhanced. Surely a Christian needs the companionship of one who is of like precious faith. It has often been said that “families that pray together stay together.” However, a non-Christian is not on praying terms with God, and many non-Christian mates have been known to ridicule the faith of his or her companion and do all possible to destroy that person’s faith and faithfulness. Of course, if you happen to be a Christian who is married to a non-Christian, you are, according to 1 Corinthians 7:10, to abide with your mate. Through your good influence, according to 1 Peter 3:1, your mate may eventually be converted.

However, for Christians who plan to marry Christians, or for Christians who are married to Christians, we emphasize that marital success is not guaranteed. Being Christians does not automatically make you totally compatible. Each mate has to bend a little. Personal traits will have to be modified. True love must courageously and consistently battle against pride, self-will, selfishness, envy and jealousy. Of course, total Christ-likeness on the part of both mates would make for certain success, but not one of us is perfectly Christ-like! Yes, that includes you and me! This means that our mates, to put up with us, will have to learn patience and forgiveness. And it means that we, in order to make permanent and successful our marriage bond, will have to learn patience and forgiveness.

However, patience and forgiveness are easy, or difficult, depending upon whether or not each genuinely loves the other. In Colossians 3:14 love is called “the bond of perfection. ” In Ephesians 5:33 the husband is admonished to “so love his own wife as himself,” and the wife is told to “see that she respects her husband.” In Ephesians 5:25 the husband is told to love his wife “just as Christ also -loved the church and gave himself for it.” According to Titus 2:4 the aged women are to teach young women to “be sober” and “to love their husbands.” True love demands that one reciprocate every tender caress, cherish every gentle word, extend every kindness, and gently seek to cope with every weakness. By so doing marital happiness and success can be greatly enhanced, and in most cases, assured.

Obligations of Husbands

In 1 Peter 3:7 the apostle Peter wrote: “Likewise you husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

In the six verses immediately prior to the Scripture just cited Peter set forth some obligations of the wife to the husband. In later studies we plan to enlarge upon some of the wife’s responsibilities. However, harmony and happiness between the husband and wife is a two-way street in which each has obligations. The verse just cited is just one among many which describes the husband’s duty to the wife.

In commenting upon this verse, we first observe that Peter said, “Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them.” He did not say “run off and leave them.” Actually the leaving that should take place in a marriage, according to Ephesians 5:31, is that which occurs when the parties of the marriage leave father and mother and become joined to each other.

Second, we observe that Peter admonished husbands to dwell with their wives “with understanding.” This includes understanding of her physical make-up. Physically she is designed to complement her husband and holds the power to require his love, which no other woman can do honorably. It includes knowledge of the fact that physically she is the “weaker vessel” and thus should not have hardships imposed on here which will break either her body or her spirit. This includes knowledge of her emotional make-up, and her nervous system which, along with her lunar biological cycle, are likely to make her nerves more delicate than his, and which is occasionally the cause of irritability. This includes the knowledge of his God-given role as “the head of the wife,” as Paul said in Ephesians 5:23, and his responsibility to provide the physical necessities of life.

Third, we observe that Peter declared that the husband should give “honor unto the wife.” The religion of Christ elevates woman to a place in society never enjoyed by heathen women, nor even the women of Israel. It lifts her to her husband’s side. She is to be honored as an equal heir with her husband of the grace of life.

And, fourth, we see why the husband must so treat his wife; it is that they might be “heirs together of the grace of life” and that their prayers may not be hindered. To be “heirs together of the grace of life,” the husband cannot leave his wife. Also inferred is that life bestows grace or favor upon husbands and wives who live together and conduct themselves as God ordained. And it also infers that husbands and wives will spend time in prayer, for how could prayers never prayed be hindered? However, how can a husband and wife pray a prayer of faith if they live in an atmosphere of doubt, contention, jealousy, harsh words, bickering, immorality, and vengeful acts?

Most husbands who complain of too little attention from their wives are guilty of not obeying these instructions given by Peter, an inspired apostle. Before we complain about our mate’s inattention and lack of appreciation we should first analyze ourselves to determine if we are falling short of our mate’s inattention and lack of appreciation we should first analyze ourselves to determine if we are falling short of our responsibilities.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 18, pp. 552-553
September 19, 1991